- Four Year Planning Document
- The most important elements in being successful academically are attending class, being attentive while there, and completing all assignments in a timely manner. If a student finds him/herself falling behind, the best first step is to speak with the teacher to see if s/he can offer any advice or guidance. If the student needs additional assistance after speaking with the teacher, s/he should arrange a meeting with a guidance counselor for further assistance. It is always best to seek out help early in the semester before a problem grows too large.
- The following websites include some useful information on how to best prepare for tests, proper note taking techniques, and other tips for school success.
- http://www.testtakingtips.com
- http://www.how-to-study.com
FCHS offers a variety of means for students to earn college credit for classes they take during high school. These credits can be transferred to colleges and universities and used to meet various general education and concentration requirements. The institution that will ultimately be awarding the college degree determines exactly how any credit is transferred into their school and whether or not a transfer course will meet any degree requirements. Policies vary widely depending on the university and the degree field, so students are always encouraged to review transfer credit policies at universities they would like to attend.
Options available at FCHS- Advanced Placement (AP): This is a national program administered by The College Board. High school courses and instructors go through a rigorous approval process to insure that coursework is equivalent to that required at the college level. Students have the opportunity to take an AP exam at the end of the course to determine whether they are deserving of college credit. All public colleges in Illinois guarantee credit will be awarded for a score of 3 or higher, on a scale of 5. Private colleges and universities outside of IL may have different standards, but AP credit is the most widely accepted method for earning college credit while in high school. The type of credit is determined by the awarding university, but if accepted, would be a minimum of 3 credit hours per course. The current cost per AP exam is $99.
- U.S. History
- U.S. Government & Politics
- Psychology
- Calculus*
Total credit hours: 12 (could be 13 depending on the university)
* Many colleges award additional hours for calculus due to the additional coursework required in that course at the college level.
Additional information about the AP program can be found on The College Board website: https://apstudent.collegeboard.org/home
- Dual Enrollment Options
- Saint Louis University's 1818 Program : Freeburg students have the opportunity to dual-enroll in a variety of courses through Saint Louis University (SLU). Our teachers work in conjunction with SLU professors to create a syllabus that meets requirements for an equivalent course at SLU. Any student who successfully completes the course and pays the tuition fee will be issued a transcript from SLU documenting the courses. Credit is determined by the transfer institution, but SLU is the oldest dual enrollment program in the nation and has long standing relationships with a wide variety of universities. Credits earned at SLU can be transferred to a large number of colleges across the country. The current cost for 1818 dual enrollment class is $75 per credit hour.
- College Chemistry - Fall: CHEM 1110 & 1115 - General Chemistry I Lecture & Lab, 4 credit hours
Spring: CHEM 1120 & 1125 - Introduction to Chemistry II Lecture & Lab, 4 credit hours
Spring: PHYS 1240 - Physics II, 4 credit hours
- College Biology - Yearlong course: BIOL 1240 & 1245 - Principles of Biology I Lecture & Lab, 4 credit hours
- College English - Fall: ENGL 1500 - The Process of Composition, 3 credit hours
Spring: ENGL 1900 - Advanced Strategies of Rhetoric & Research, 3 credit hours
Total credit hours: 26
Additional information about the 1818 program can be found on the SLU website: http://www.slu.edu/1818
- Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC) : Students have the opportunity to earn college credit, at no cost, for three current course offered at FCHS. The math course is transferable to four-year institutions.
- Advanced Construction - Yearlong, two hour course: CMT 146 - Building Trades Craft Survey II, 4 credit hours
- Agricultural Business & Managment - Yearlong: AGRI 100- Intro to Ag Business Mgmt, 3 credit hours
- College Statistics - Yearlong course: MATH 107 - General Education Statistics, 4 credit hours
- Financial Literacy - S emester course: MGMT 117 - Personal Finance, 3 credit hours
- Introduction to Business - Yearlong course: MGMT 201- Entrepreneur Basics, 3 credit hours
- Introduction to Construction - Yearlong course:CMT 145 - Building Trades Craft Survey I, 3 credit hours
- Manufacturing 1/2 - Yearlong course: PMT 101 - Intro to the Machine Trades, 3 credit hours
- Manufacturing 3/4 - Yearlond course: PMT 110 - Introduction to CNC Operations, 2 credit hours
- Sports Marketing - Semester course: MFT 226- eMarketing, 3 credit hours
- Welding 1 - Yearlong course: WLDT 101 - Introduction to Welding, 5 credit hours
- Welding 2 - Yearlong course: WLDT 152 - All Position ARC Welding, 6 credit hours
Total credit hours: 39
If a student were to take all of these courses, they could graduate from Freeburg High School with 77 hours of college credit. If we look at just the number of credits that could be transferred towards a four year degree, we currently offer 42 hours. The total cost for these 42 college credits would be $2170.
Options available on the SWIC campus- Running Start: This is a dual credit program for qualified high school students to attend Southwestern Illinois College for their junior and senior year. The program meets the requirements for both a high school diploma and an Associates of Arts or Associates of Science degree. Students would be required to take at least 5 classes per semester, or 32 credit hours per year. Many of these classes would be requirements to fulfill either the state of Illinois and Freeburg High School graduation requirements or the SWIC associates degree requirements. Students would be able to select some elective courses for the remaining classes. A detailed explanation of the course requirements can be found in the following Crosswalk. The cost of this program is currently $4318 per year for tuition and fees; students would be responsible for the cost of textbooks, which average $500 per semester, as well as transportation. Please review the following information for more details about this program.
- https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Pd-Lf2vtIMFhZSz747TFy3LZtP6l1CTQ/view?usp=sharing
We hope you find the following information useful as you think about your plans post-high school. Remember that the guidance office has a wealth of information for you to access to assist you in planning your future. Stop in to use the resources or to schedule a meeting with your counselor for further information.
- Preparing for College : This checklist includes includes important steps parents and students should take during each of the high school years to best prepare for college.
- Important Tests : You will find information on a range of standardized tests, both those required of all students and optional tests for students interested in pursuing specific post-secondary options.
- College Search : We have provided a few suggestions of places to begin your search for the perfect college as well as information on FCHS's college days policy.
- Financial Aid : This is a starting point providing information on federal, private, and local aid sources.
- SAT Information : Additional information related to the SAT, include test dates and preparation information
- ACT Information : Additional information related to the ACT, including test dates and preparation tips.
- Timeline and Application Steps for Financial Aid/Scholarships
FCHS is happy to host a variety of college admission representatives throughout the school year. Students are asked to register in advance to attend college visits by completing one of the forms found below. Please open and complete the form for the school(s) in which you're interested in attending. You will receive a pass in the morning to attend the event. These events are a great opportunity to receive general information as well as to ask specific questions, please come prepared to engage with the representative . Keep in mind that these admission representatives frequently play an important role in making admission decisions, assisting with housing and scholarship questions, and easing the transition to college; making a positive impression can be quite beneficial. Their role may be more important than ever this year when so many colleges have continued test optional policies and will be relying on other factors to make their admission and scholarship decisions. Check back frequently, because more visits are being scheduled each week.
Tuesday, September 3 - Greenville University
Wednesday, September 4 - Mississippi State University
Monday, September 9 - Eastern Illinois University
Monday, September 9 - Blackburn College
Tuesday, September 10 - Illinois College
Wednesday, September 11 - Southeast Missouri State University
Friday, September 13 - Washington University
Monday, September 16 - University of Memphis
Tuesday, September 17 - McKendree University
Tuesday, September 17 - Southern Illinois University - Carbondale
Wednesday, September 18 - Webster University
Wednesday, September 19 - University of Missouri
Tuesday, September 24 - University of Mississippi
Tuesday, September 24 - University of Illinois
Thursday, September 26 - Illinois Wesleyan
Friday, October 4 - University of Missouri - Kansas City
Friday, October 4 - Kansas State University
Wednesday, October 9 - Missouri State University
Monday, October 21 - University of Alabama
Tuesday, October 22 - University of Health Science & Pharmacy in St. Louis
Tuesday, October 22 - U niversity of Illinois in Springfield
Monday, October 28 - Augustana College
Wednesday, November 13 - Bradley University
NCAA & NAIA Eligibility NCAA Eligibility Center: NCAA Eligibility Center websiteStudent-Athletes who are interested in continuing to play and be eligible to receive athletic scholarships at the college level need to meet specific eligibility requirements outlined by either the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) or National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). We have collected some helpful information to help families best prepare academically for this goal.
NAIA Eligibility Center: Play NAIA websiteStudent-Athletes must meet two of the following three requirements to be eligible for the NAIA
1. Minimum high school GPA of 2.0 (on a 4.0 scale)
2. Meet the minimum ACT score of 18 composite or SAT score of 970 combined.
3. Graduate in the top half of your high school class
Summer Enrichment Opportunities- Health Care Summer Immersion Program
- St Louis College of Pharmacy is holding an on campus, residential opportunity for students to explore health care, including pharmacy and research.
- https://www.stlcop.edu/summer/immersion/index.html
- Cornerstone Summer Institute - University of Virginia
- This program will high school students with the opportunity to engage in historical investigations, archaeological excavations and community engagement in order to learn and develop thinking skills that will prepare them for success in college and beyond.
- https://slavery.virginia.edu/cornerstone-summer-institute/
- Business Emerging Leaders Program at University of Wisconsin
- A 3 summer program for students interested in attending the University of Wisconsin and majoring in Business. Gives students an opportunity to experience college life while learning in classes, applying for internships and preparing for a successful career in business.
- https://wsb.wisc.edu/programs-degrees/undergraduate-bba/leadership-personal-development/bel-program
- Stanford Pre-Collegiate Study Programs
- Opportunities for students from middle school through high school to explore content in science, math, humanities to many more on the Stanford campus in Northern California
- https://spcs.stanford.edu/programs
- Washington University High School Summer Programs
- Summer Programs in all of WashU's colleges, Arts & Sciences, Design & Visual Arts, Business, Biology & Biomedical and the Research Center
- https://admissions.wustl.edu/academics/special-programs/summer-programs-for-high-school-students/?utm_campaign=1021104&utm_source=Slate&utm_medium=email
- Boiler Vet Camp - Purdue University
- Week long, hands on Vet camp at Purdue University. This camp is designed for students who are interested in becoming vetrinary healthcare professionals and provides a preview into the real and vast fields of vetrinary medicine.
- https://www.purdue.edu/vet/boilervetcamp/
- SIUE Summer Session Camps
- Summer Camps at SIU Edwardsville in the areas of science, performing arts, engineering, health and visual arts.
- http://www.siue.edu/summer/camps/index.shtml
- Summer STEM Game Experience Camps
- Discover what it takes to succeed in the world of games and tech. Learn coding, animation and more from industry experts
- https://game.experienceamerica.com/game-experience-2019-counselor/
- Project Fashion in Los Angeles
- A two week course at the University of Southern California where the business and creativity of fashion come together. Students create products with direction from program staff.
- https://fashion.experienceamerica.com/
- Summer Programs at Colorado St University
- Summer Academic Camps in many areas, including science, business, fine arts and engineering
- https://summer.colostate.edu/summer-programs/k12-programs/?utm_campaign=CounselorMonthly&utm_source=INF_FA19_HS_Feb-Monthly_9-10&utm_medium=email
- Illinois Tech (Chicago) Summer Architecture Camps
- Experiment in Architecture and Experiment in Landscape Architecture camps where students will tour Chicago, sit in on lectures with professors and complete design projects. Due to small enrollment allotment, students can expect individual attention from studio instructors
- http://arch.iit.edu/study/eia
- Gettysburg College Summer Academic Programs
- Summer academic opportunities in psychology, creative writing, coding, 3D printing and a Civil War institute.
- http://www.gettysburg.edu/about/offices/fa/conferences/summer-camps.dot?utm_source=Listrak&utm_medium=Email&utm_term=http%3a%2f%2fwww.gettysburg.edu%2fabout%2foffices%2ffa%2fconferences%2fsummer-camps.dot&utm_campaign=Academic+Summer+Programs
- Duke Summer Session
- Residential academic programs at Duke University in North Carolina. The programs run from 1 week to 4 week options.
- https://summersession.duke.edu/high-school-students
- University of Notre Dame PreCollege Programs
- Summer enrichment opportunities at the University of Notre Dame. Options in several academic areas as well as leadership seminars
- https://precollege.nd.edu/
- PreCollege Experiences at Anderson University
- Art & Graphic Design, STEM and Film Makers camps held on campus in Anderson, Indiana
- https://www.anderson.edu/summer-camps
- SIUE Entrepreneurship Academy
- Students will work on the technical and interpersonal skills to be a successful entrepreneur. Students will work in teams to build a business plan and work towards launching the plan in the academy setting. They will be supported by local business people and entrepreneurs. Camp is open to students leaving the 9th-12th grades.
- http://www.siue.edu/summer/camps/summer-entrepreneurship-academy.shtml
- 2018 GET INTO ENERGY - YOUNG WOMEN CAREER DAY
- Ameren's "Young Women get in to Energy Day" An exciting day full of activities exposing young women to opportunities in the utility industry. Breakfast, lunch and snacks will be provided but you must pick up the registration packet in guidance and mail it to the address on the paperwork to be eligible.
- https://www.ameren.com/
- Rockhurst University (Kansas City) Summer Nursing Camp
- A four day opportunity focused on lab experiments, group projects, discussions about ethics and health care. Taught by full time professors to get the opportunity to learn about the expanding role of a nurse in the world of heatlh care.
- https://connect.rockhurst.edu/register/nursingcamp2018
- Northern Illinois University Summer Academic Camps
- Camps in the areas of: Creative Writing, Film and Screenwriting, Spanish and Journalism for residential options and Day long options of: Chinese, Social Justice, Photography and Journalism
- https://www.niu.edu/summercamps/index.shtml?utm_campaign=Summer%20Camps&utm_medium=Print%20Version&utm_source=STEM&utm_campaign=Summer%20Camps&utm_medium=Print%20Version&utm_source=STEM
- SouthEast Missouri State University Summer Camps
- Summer enrichment opportunities on campus mostly in the areas of fine arts but also a few science and technology options
- http://www.semo.edu/camps/
- Tulsa University Summer Music Camps
- Week long residential camps in several areas of music including piano, jazz and vocal options.
- https://artsandsciences.utulsa.edu/academics/departments-schools/music/music-camps-workshops/
- Challenge to Excellence - SIU Carbondale
- Summer residential program that provides students with the opportunity to "stretch themselves" in the areas of math, art, psychology, journalism, biology and many others
- http://conferenceservices.siu.edu/camps-youth-programs/challenge-to-excellence.php
- Camp College through IACAC
- Free, 4 day program for rising seniors to be exposed to a variety of college related topics and will learn first hand from admissions personnel to gain valuable tools and skills to enhance their knowledge entering the college application and selection process.
- https://www.iacac.org/camp/?utm_source=IACAC+Members+%26+Contacts&utm_campaign=b7eb1185ce-campcollege&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_b676bdf586-b7eb1185ce-346182805
- St Louis University Summer Camps
- A wide range of topics including those in science, the arts, technology, law and aviation
- https://www.slu.edu/summer/k-12-camps.php#/dashboard
- Eastern Illinois University - English Studies Camp
- Where students can grow as readers, writers, debaters and English scholars.
- https://www.eiu.edu/english/camp.php
- Webster University - Summer Media Camps
- Topics include: Film Making, Music Recording, Game Design, Sports Media and 3D Printing
- http://www.webster.edu/communications/news-events/mediacamps.html
- University of Illinois - College of Engineering Camp
- This camp is design specifically for girls who are interested in math, engineering and science
- http://wie.engineering.illinois.edu/k-12-programs-resources/gameswyse-camp/?utm_content=Majors%20Updates&utm_campaign=HS%20Counselor&utm_source=Slate&utm_term=2018&utm_medium=email
- University of Illinois - College of Media Summer Program
- 360 Sports & Entertainment Camp
- https://publish.illinois.edu/360degreemedia/scholarships/?utm_content=Majors%20Updates&utm_campaign=HS%20Counselor&utm_source=Slate&utm_term=2018&utm_medium=email
- University of Illinois College of Applied and Fine Arts Summer Programs
- Programs include topics on: Fine Arts, Architecture, Music and iSTEAM
- http://faa.illinois.edu/future-students/summer-programs?utm_content=Majors%20Updates&utm_campaign=HS%20Counselor&utm_source=Slate&utm_term=2018&utm_medium=email
- University of Tulsa - Screenwriting/Filmmaking Camp
- Provides and intensive look at the craft of screenwriting where students will create their own short screenplays that will be read to family and friends on the last day at a camp festival. Or provides students with the opportunity to plunge into every aspect of creating short films with a screening of every student's short film at the end of hte week.
- https://artsandsciences.utulsa.edu/academics/departments-schools/film-studies/screenwriting-and-filmmaking-camps/
- Western Illinois University - Summer Camp Opportunities
- WIU has summer camp opportunities open to 4th-12th graders in the areas of Agriculture, Fine Arts, Literature, Science, Math, Engineering and Technology/Design.
- http://www.wiu.edu/sao/outreach/youth_enrichment/youthmain.php
- Summer Studio Art Workshops
- The American Acacmy of Art in Chicago has several art workshops that are open to all high school students. They have programs in: Life Drawing, Oil Painting, Digital Illustration, Concept Art, Watercolor Painting, Graphic Design, Traditional 2D Animation, 3D Animation, Photography and Digital Video.
- http://www.aaart.edu/summer-studio-registration/
- Washington University Med School Camp
- Summer camp for students interested in medicine
- http://www.campneuro.org/
- Washington University Med School Camp
- Summer day camp for students interested in exploring medicine
- http://www.campcardiac.org/
- Summer Academic Opportunities
- Summer Academic Opportunities through the Illinois Association of College Admissions Counselors (IACAC)
- https://www.iacac.org/summer-programs/
English 8 semesters 4 credits
Math* 6 semesters 3 credits
*Must include Algebra and a Geometry course
Science 4 semesters 2 credits
U.S. History 2 semesters 1 credit
Civics 1 semester 1/2 credit
*Can be met by taking AP U.S. Government
Social Studies elective 1 semester 1/2 credit
Consumer Education¹ 1 semester 1/2 credit
Physical Education² 7 semesters 3 1/2 credits
Health 1 semester 1/2 credit
Driver Education 1/2 semester 0 credit
Electives 16+ semesters 8+ credits (The number of electives will vary based on other selections, but must be enough to bring cumulative total to 24 credits.)
¹ Can be fulfilled by taking Economics, Agricultural Business & Management, Adult Living, or Business & Technology Concepts
² Marching Band also meets this requirement. Juniors and seniors may obtain a waiver for this course in the guidance office if involved in varsity athletics or taking certain courses required for college.
Typical Admission Requirements to IL Colleges and Universities:
4 years English
3 years social studies - emphasizing history and government
3 years mathematics - Algebra 1, Algebra 2, and Geometry
3 years science
2 years foreign language, music, fine art, or selected vocational courses - requirements in this category vary widely by school and occasionally by major
- Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC) : Students have the opportunity to earn college credit, at no cost, for three current course offered at FCHS. The math course is transferable to four-year institutions.
- Saint Louis University's 1818 Program : Freeburg students have the opportunity to dual-enroll in a variety of courses through Saint Louis University (SLU). Our teachers work in conjunction with SLU professors to create a syllabus that meets requirements for an equivalent course at SLU. Any student who successfully completes the course and pays the tuition fee will be issued a transcript from SLU documenting the courses. Credit is determined by the transfer institution, but SLU is the oldest dual enrollment program in the nation and has long standing relationships with a wide variety of universities. Credits earned at SLU can be transferred to a large number of colleges across the country. The current cost for 1818 dual enrollment class is $75 per credit hour.
- Dual Enrollment Options
- Advanced Placement (AP): This is a national program administered by The College Board. High school courses and instructors go through a rigorous approval process to insure that coursework is equivalent to that required at the college level. Students have the opportunity to take an AP exam at the end of the course to determine whether they are deserving of college credit. All public colleges in Illinois guarantee credit will be awarded for a score of 3 or higher, on a scale of 5. Private colleges and universities outside of IL may have different standards, but AP credit is the most widely accepted method for earning college credit while in high school. The type of credit is determined by the awarding university, but if accepted, would be a minimum of 3 credit hours per course. The current cost per AP exam is $99.